The history of the clean-up

The Great Wilderness Clean-up is proof that sometimes all it takes is a single idea and the passion to make it happen.

It all started in a canoeing discussion forum. Bryan March posted a message and photos showing garbage they found in one of Ontario's Provincial Parks. Nancy Maddock started discussing her feelings about trash in the wilderness and mentioned that there should be a clean-up. Next thing she knew someone had suggested that she organize an event. So she did!

Nancy's first clean-up event was in Algonquin Provincial Park in May of 2006. Over a hundred bags of garbage were removed from the park's interior making the clean-up a great success.

2007 brought about many changes to the clean-up. Kevin Callan has joined forces with Nancy and they have made this an international event.

Nancy has dedicated this event to her father's memory, William Maddock, a man who had a passion for life and adventure, and a great love for the beauty of our Mother Earth.